SRIYANKA CHATTERJEE, Author at Ghumakkar - Inspiring travel experiences.

Yuksom – a peaceful abode in the laps of Eastern Himalayas

By SRIYANKA CHATTERJEE

Yuksom is still regarded as the base camp of Kanchenjungha, although ascent from Sikkim side has stopped over a decade ago. The mountains are revered as God by localites and stepping foot on the sacred slopes amounts to desecration of the divine forces. Kanchenjungha is abode of the Gods. We came across camps of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Their basic and advanced mountaineering courses are conducted at Rathong Glacier, the starting point of which also happens to be Yuksom.

Journey to Goecha La – A jewel hidden at the foot of Kanchendzonga Part III

By SRIYANKA CHATTERJEE

After reaching Lamuney campsite, I went inside my tent to nurse my sprained ankle with volini spray and a bandage. Here as I lay down for an hour looking at Pandim, I was reminiscing the heavenly sunrise of Goechala viewpoint. Prasanto came over to my tent. I narrated to him the experience while going through the pictures in the camera and having breakfast.

Journey to Goecha La – A jewel hidden at the foot of Kanchendzonga Part II

By SRIYANKA CHATTERJEE

Thangsing is guarded by Pandim on one side and a swift river flows noisily close by. One flank of the mighty Kanchenjungha shone brightly ahead of the path towards Goechala. Thangsing easily qualifies as the best spot enroute to Goechala Pass.

Trek to Goecha La – Yuksom to Dzongri

By SRIYANKA CHATTERJEE

We gathered in small groups in the tents to chat and while away the time. Dinner was served at around 8 p.m. at the one- room camp house which was occupied by cook Sumit Rai and his men. When I had ventured out of my tent around mid-night to go to the toilet-tent, I was awestruck on seeing small silvery snowflakes dropping from a clear sky. The moon shone in its silvery best.